Fluid & Electrolytes, Acid-Base Balance

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to Fluid & Electrolyte, Acid-Base Balance learned in NUR 2006.

Homeostasis

The process by which the body's internal environment is kept stable despite changes in external conditions.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a solution of low solute concentration to a solution of high solute concentration.

Crystalloid Solutions

IV solutions composed of electrolytes and water that are capable of passing through semipermeable membranes.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution that causes cells to shrink because water moves out of them due to a higher solute concentration outside the cell.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution that causes cells to swell because water moves into them due to a lower solute concentration outside the cell.

Isotonic Solution

A solution that has the same osmotic pressure as blood plasma, thus cells retain their shape.

Fluid Balance

The maintenance of the correct amount and proportion of fluids in the body compartments.

Electrolyte Imbalance

An abnormality in the levels of electrolytes in the body, which can affect various bodily functions.

Acid-Base Balance

The mechanism the body uses to maintain the pH level of the blood and other bodily fluids.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

A test that measures the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and the acidity (pH) of blood.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid in a confined space, important in the movement of fluids in the circulatory system.

Normal Serum Osmolality

A measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood, typically between 280-295 mOsm/kg.

Dehydration

A condition resulting from excessive loss of water from the body, impacting fluid levels and electrolyte balance.

Hypovolemia

A state of decreased blood volume, which can be caused by fluid loss or inadequate intake.

Sodium Imbalance

An abnormal level of sodium in the blood, which can lead to various health issues like hypernatremia or hyponatremia.

Hyperkalemia

An elevated level of potassium in the blood, potentially leading to cardiac problems.

Hypocalcemia

A low level of calcium in the blood, which may cause muscle spasms and other symptoms.

Trousseau's Sign

A clinical sign indicative of hypocalcemia, characterized by muscle spasm in response to blood pressure cuff occlusion.

Chvostek's Sign

A clinical sign of hypocalcemia, indicated by twitching of facial muscles in response to tapping of the facial nerve.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by a decrease in blood pH, occurring when there is too much acid or too little base present in the body.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by an increase in blood pH, occurring when there is too much base or too little acid in the body.